Auto Car Reviews

Monday, July 22, 2013

If the Leaf's slow sales are anything to go by, you
lot aren't convinced about pure EVs. Which is why the 2013 facelift is
more about practical, real-world adjustments than driving home the
futureland tech with radical styling. And it costs less, too.

So, the money stuff. Nissan has introduced a three-tier range of
trims - base Visia, Acenta and Tekna. But, wait, it gets sexier.
Nissan's new pricing structure means you can either buy the Leaf and
battery outright, or buy the car and lease the battery. There are five
deals based on annual mileages between 7,500 and 15,000 miles, and for
12, 24 or 36 months. Short trips and sign up for three years? Then the
battery's £70 month. Other deals could see you shelling out £109 a
month. Prices vary from £15,990 to £25,490.

Thing is, the cheapo is effectively the outgoing model with a new
face, and doesn't get the new pump-driven heating system that's 70 per
cent more efficient. To get the 25-mile range improvement to 129 miles,
you need an Acenta. The £18,490 mid-ranger also lets you control the
heating and charging remotely. As for the Tekna, it's mainly luxo-fluff
like parking cameras, LED headlamps and heated seats.

There are some across-the-board improvements, which make the Leaf a
more formidable companion. It's 32kg lighter for a start - roughly the
same as an ample German Shepherd. To whittle away the heft, it uses
Nissan's new E powertrain, and the charger has been moved from behind
the rear seats to under the bonnet, so there are no heavy wiring
harnesses running through. The relocation also means there's 50mm more
rear legroom and bootspace is up 40 litres.

Then there's the driving. It's not really any faster (top speed's
actually 0.6mph down; the 0-62mph sprint reduced by 0.4secs), but it
feels less encumbered, cornering with less wallow. Body roll is better
managed, and the heavier steering increases confidence.

But there are still two major issues: charge time and range. Yes, it
goes a bit further, and you can option a 6.6kW charger, which could
halve recharging to four hours (providing you have a 32-amp charge
point). But if you're using it for any more than short, city blats,
there isn't yet the infrastructure or technology to fully support it,
regardless of the improvements.

With total worldwide sales now eclipsing 3.5 million units, the
Mazda3 has racked up an enviable track record during its decade-long run
to glory. Over the course of two generations, this engaging C-segment
road warrior has become the automaker's highest-volume global offering
as well as the firm's most important player here, where it currently
accounts for over 40 percent of Mazda's annual U.S. sales. But in the
super-competitive compact realm where the Mazda3 must face off against
prime rivals like the Ford Focus and Honda Civic, Mazda wanted to stretch the envelope of the upcoming Gen III iteration in a major way.
Due in showrooms this September, along with its Mazda3 Sedan
sibling, this now even flashier 5-door matches aggressive "Kodo"
styling language and a well-finished passenger compartment with the full
complement of weight-saving/efficiency-enhancing Skyactiv technologies
previously introduced on the CX-5 and Mazda6.
We recently slipped behind the wheel of two Hatchback
prototypes to see how well this new mix came together. While final
judgment will be reserved for a true production unit, we can
unequivocally confirm the latest Mazda3 incarnation does boast a full
measure and more of Mazda's iconic zoom-zoom character.
In
keeping with tradition, the 2014 Mazda3 lineup continues to be split
into "i" and "s" members for both body configurations. Motivating the
Mazda3 i SV (Sedan only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models is a
slightly tweaked version of the existing 2.0-liter/155-horsepower
Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine found in the 2013 Mazda3 that now makes 150
lb-ft of torque -- up from 148 -- and has better mid-range punch.
Mazda3 s Touring and Mazda3 s Grand Touring models replace the existing
167-horsepower/2.5-liter MZR engine with the more potent
184-horse/2.5-liter Skyactiv alternative that also appears in the 2014
CX-5 SUV and Mazda6.

Also: 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000

While
the 2.0-liter can be backed by either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed
automatic in all "i" trims, the 2.5-liter only comes with the latter
unit that also includes steering-wheel mounted shifter paddles. The
2.0-liter Hatchback has already earned an official 40-mpg EPA highway
rating with either transmission. At the moment, Mazda is projecting the
2.5-liter version will get 37 mpg on the highway, or 39 mpg on Grand
Touring models fitted with active grille shutters and the innovative
i-Eloop regenerative engine-braking system that's part of a Technology
Package available only on the top-line model.
Intent on creating a
vehicle that would resonate more intensely with owners on both visual
and visceral levels, Mazda complemented the 5-door's sleeker new
sheetmetal and edgier fascia detailing with an even stouter but lighter
core structure. Comprised of 60 percent high-strength steel, it endows
the car with 31 percent greater torsional rigidity. Similar gains are
found in the new Sedan, which like the Hatchback weighs about 100 pounds
less than the existing 4-door. Wider, lower and marginally shorter than
its 2013 counterpart, the new Mazda3 5-door complements 2.4 inches of
added wheelbase with expanded front (0.8-inch) and rear (1.4- to
1.8-inch depending on wheel/tire fitment) track specs. Collectively,
that dimensional rethink helps elevate its curbside aggression index
while enhancing the car's overall dynamic potential.
Keen to show
off its newest player to full advantage, Mazda turned us loose on an
appropriately challenging route that snaked through the Angeles National
Forest outside of Los Angeles. Despite their significant weight drops,
we'd characterize straight-line acceleration of the manual-equipped
2.0-liter and auto-equipped 2.5-liter versions we drove as
enthusiastically spirited rather than blisteringly quick. However,
there's little to fault about the speed or execution of cog changes
performed by either of the Skyactiv transmissions.

The
true strong suit of this new Mazda is its ability to confidently carve
through even the most challenging corners. The robust foundation teamed
with a well-sorted suspension delivers impressive compliance and control
while new electrically-assisted power steering proved both precise and
rich in positive feedback. There is one key differentiator in the mix:
All Mazda3 i models are fitted with H-rated 205/60 tires on 16-inch
steel or alloy wheels, while 3 s Grand Touring variants roll on W-rated
215/45 all-season performance rubber wrapped around 18-inch alloys.
Although it exacts a modest penalty in absolute ride comfort, the
stickier but stiffer Plus-2 upgrade gives the 2.5-liter Grand Touring a
decidedly more planted feel when you're taking on the twisties.
Like
its exterior, the passenger compartment of the new Mazda3 has a more
sophisticated look and feel, whether appointed in cloth, leatherette or
real leather. Repositioned A-pillars enhance forward sightlines while
redesigned front buckets serve up greater support and comfort. Despite
swapping a bit of legroom for marginally more knee space, the rear bench
of the Mazda3 Hatchback can still handle a pair of average-size adults.
Drop its 60/40 split back into a near-flat folded position and the
20.2-cu ft cargo bay expands into a 47.1-cu ft mini cave.

Also: 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 for 2013

Last
but far from least, the new Mazda3 features a load of new "class-above"
technology, including the latest incarnation of the automaker's HMI
(Human Machine Interface) on select models. This "heads-up" approach to
cockpit design nets a small pop-up Active Driving Display screen
directly ahead of the driver that shows speed, navigation instructions
and active safety data as well as a 7.0-inch color touchscreen, which
for the first time is located on top of the dash rather than in the
center stack. Paired with Mazda's console-mounted multifunction
Commander, it affords quicker, easier and less-distracting access to
various navigation and infotainment functions.

The 2014 Mazda3
makeover also brings a host of new and more user-friendly connectivity
features, including the ability to perform updates via a
Bluetooth-paired smartphone. The system can now read aloud and respond
to social, text and e-mail messages, and access thousands of Internet
radio stations, audio books and other apps using Mazda's first
implementation of the powerful Aha aggregator app.
A similar leap
forward has occurred in the active safety arena. In addition to
features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that
are standard on Touring and above trims, the optional Technology Package
for the Mazda3 s Grand Touring brings Lane Departure Warning, High Beam
Control and two segment-exclusive features -- Radar Cruise Control
& Forward Obstruction Warning and Smart City Brake Support.

Pricing for the 2014 Mazda Mazda3
lineup will be announced closer to its arrival in showrooms. For the
moment, all Mazda execs have confirmed is that it will open below
$17,000 plus destination. All we can confirm is that the new Mazda3 is
destined to become even more of a power player in the ongoing C-segment
car wars.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The commercial van market is currently dominated by Ford's Econoline van. Commercial trucks are generally functional vans with an emphasis on practicality over function. However, there's a new van on the market; the Nissan NV. This van has been available in over forty countries with exception of America. That's about to change with the introduction of the Nissan's commercial van. The primary target market is small business owners, delivery services and even food truck companies. There are two types of engines available for the Nissan NV; a six cylinder and a more powerful eight cylinder engine. This will be the first commercial vehicle from Nissan available in the United States.

The van is equipped with a ramp which makes it accessible for handicapped individuals in wheelchairs. Some of the models are available with an adjustable roof. This can come in handy if one needs to haul large cargo along. It's also convenient to shorten the height in case the vehicle needs to be parked in a small garage or fit through a narrow drive way.

Nissan is keeping the NV relatively affordable; the entry level model is expected to be priced around $24k. The frame was designed to be fully boxed for optimum stability and durability. Branding is an important concept for business owners and the Nissan NV allows you to do just that. The car can be "wrapped" with any design and logo of the buyer's choosing.

The middle storage bin offers a large amount of space for personal items such as cellular phones. There is a console available which can be used as a laptop stand. Bluetooth compatibility is available which allows the driver to receive phone calls while keeping hands safely on the wheel. Buyers can choose from vinyl or cloth seats. Features including Bluetooth compatibility and a rearview camera can be added on as options.